Managing the Risks of Drugs and Alcohol

Need help?

Working in our industry can be tough—long hours, early starts, physical work, and pressure to always be on top of things. It’s no surprise that sometimes people need a bit of support. And if you do, you won’t be the only one.

Whether you’re just thinking about cutting back, feeling a bit overwhelmed, or dealing with something more serious like addiction, there’s help out there.

The support services and tools below are here for you. Some offer simple tips or someone to talk to. Others can give more structured help if you need it.

Whatever you’re going through, there’s no judgment—just support.

Resources

Emergency

Check your drinking

Help from your employer

Confidential specialist support service for employees suffering from drug, alcohol or gambling issues.

Employees will be given one-to-one sessions and a personalised plan to help achieve their recovery goals support for individuals.

When contacting the service quote ‘Horse Racing – Positive Support’

Telephone 0330 0083 965

Or click here to register online

Racing Organisations

Racing Welfare

Help for racing’s people in need. Offers confidential impartial help and advice with any issues, including comprehensive support for people experiencing addiction difficulties.

Helpline: 0800 6300 443

7 days/week 24 hours/day

Text: 07860 079043

R.A.C.E – Racing Addictions and Coping with Emotions

R.A.C.E. is a Facebook group started by Sam Warren as a safe, judgment-free space for people in racing to open up—anonymously if they want—and support each other. It’s there for anyone who’s struggling with mental health or addiction and feels like they’ve got no one to talk to. Just search “R.A.C.E.” on Facebook to join.

External help

Check your drinking

Your GP can discuss your problems with you and get you into treatment. You may be offered treatment at the practice or be referred to your local drug or alcohol service.

Adfam National

An organisation that works with and on behalf of families affected by drug and alcohol problems. Helpful for the family of the alcohol or drug user.

Al-Anon

Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire provide support for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.

Alcoholics Anonymous

The largest self-help group for people who acknowledge they cannot handle alcohol and want a new way of life without it. Services are free.

Helpline: 0800 917 7650

Alcohol Change UK

Leading UK alcohol charity formed from the merger of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK. Work for a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol.

Cocaine Anonymous

National self-help group specifically for cocaine users. Helpline: 0800 612 0225, open 10:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days

Drinkaware

UK charity for alcohol education offers guidance and support to manage drinking habits. Provides free, confidential advice through DrinkChat and Drinkline (0300 123 1110).

Mind

Mental health charity with helplines staffed by trained listeners. Non-judgmental support to understand feelings. Samaritans: 116 123, SANEline: 0300 304 7000.

Narcotics Anonymous

The largest self-help group for people who want to stop using drugs. Services are free. Includes details of local groups. Helpline: 0300 999 1212

Talk to FRANK

A government-funded free service offering information and sources of support. The website provides detailed information on drugs that the non-specialist can understand. Helpline: 0300 123 6600

Beat

Beating Eating Disorders Provides information & support for all aspects of eating disorders. Helpline 0808 801 0677. Youthline 0808 801 0711. Mon/Fri 3pm to 10 pm

Families Anonymous

Relatives & friends of people involved in the abuse of mind-altering substances, or related behavioural problems

Online forum

Gamanon

Supports the friends & families of those who have been affected by a gambling problem.

Meetings and online meetings

Gamblers Anonymous

Men & women who have joined together to do something about their own gambling problem & to help others

Meetings and online meetings

Gamcare

A leading authority on the provision of support, advice & counselling to people affected by gambling problems. 0808 8020 133.

7 days/week 8am – midnight

Overeaters Anonymous

A supportive fellowship of individuals, recovering from varied compulsive easting behaviours.

Meetings and online meetings

Injured Jockeys Fund

Assists jockeys (their spouses, or dependants) who have suffered through injury & are unable to ride

01638 66 22 46

Mon/Fri 9am – 5pm

Samaritans

Confidential, non judgemental emotional support for anyone with feelings of distress, despair which could lead to suicide. A safe place to talk.

116 123 – 24/7